When it comes to Christmas, most people think of Santa, gifts and family. In general, this is the most commercially propagated view of this event of the year. But is this the only way to live and celebrate Christmas? Or can the party happen in other ways?
Around the world, according to different cultures and religions, Christmas acquires other traditions and characteristics, which may surprise those who had never thought about it. If that's your case, keep reading the content we've prepared about Christmas in every part of the Earth!
Christmas around the world
Next, be surprised by the different ways to celebrate Christmas around the world. The food at this party in Japan will surprise you a lot!
1) Spain
In España, Christmas is celebrated as a family feast. While some focus on the birth of Jesus Christ, according to religion, others take advantage of the night of December 24th to exchange gifts, after supper and, later, December 25th to have lunch with relatives or friends. Even though it is summer in the country at this time of year, it is common to see decorations associated with the cold, with snowmen and reindeer.
2) United States
As we see in many movies, Christmas in the USA is marked by snow. There, gifts are opened on the morning of December 25th, after being delivered by Santa Claus. But last night's supper is not so remarkable. In fact, an event equivalent to Christmas in España, in the United States, would be the Thanksgiving dinner, which takes place on the fourth Thursday of November annually.
3) India
Christmas is a Christian holiday, and most Indian people follow Hinduism or Islam. Therefore, Christmas is not celebrated with the same symbolism as in Spain or the USA, for example. Even so, the party is marked by the exchange of gifts and the union between families. It is common for some houses to be decorated, but they usually save the flasher for Diwali, the Indian festival of lights.
4) France
Even though Christmas is celebrated differently in different parts of France, there are two traditions that are common: making peace and organizing Christmas markets. The first refers to the time of year when the French resolve conflicts with other people, in order to restart their relationship in peace. The Christmas markets are intended for the purchase and sale of artisanal products, such as food and decoration items.
5) Australia
Have you ever imagined receiving Santa on the beach, surfing? That's how he appears in Australia. There, Australians head to the beach closest to home wearing red clothes and Santa Claus-like hats. So the mood is one of fun, relaxation and relaxation, even if the 24th and 25th are not off days. Fortunately, on the 26th, the stores do sales, to help with the exchange of gifts.
You may also like
- Deepen your knowledge of Buddhism
- How is Christmas in other religions?
- Christmas movies to think about
- Consider whether it is mandatory to spend Christmas with the family
- Learn to Forgive Someone in Six Steps
6) Mexico
In Mexico, Christmas is essentially marked by Christian tradition. The celebrations begin on December 16, with the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and only end in February. Until Christmas Eve, the Posadas, which are processions that enact the story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, take place. Every night ends with sweets, typical foods and fun for the children, who must break piñatas full of goodies. In addition, they exchange gifts on Christmas and on the day of the Magi.
7) South Africa
Santa Claus, who is so popular in our view of Christmas, is not an exalted figure in South Africa. Christmas celebrations in this country are marked by lunch on December 25th. It is made with roast beef, turkey, chicken, yellow rice and dessert pies. The dish that closes the menu is a condensed milk pudding, a little less sweet than español.
8) England
In England, gifts are opened on the morning of December 25, as in the US, and the Queen makes a speech about the date each year. One of the traditions for the supper, which takes place on Christmas Eve, is to hide a coin inside the plum pudding. Whoever finds her will be lucky. Another tradition is the “Christmas crackers” (also known as “bon-bons”), decorated cardboard tubes that, when pulled by the end, make a snap and break. Only one of the people who pulls it will be left with the contents of the tube, which is usually a toy.
9) Japan
As the majority of the population in Japan is Buddhist or Shinto, Christmas is not such a symbolic holiday. Even so, the date is celebrated as an opportunity to leverage trade. A curious fact about Japanese Christmas celebrations is that the menu on this day consists of fast food fried chicken and cream cake with strawberries.
10) Greece
Christmas celebrations in Greece take place on the 25th of December, with supper featuring the stuffed turkey. Although the houses are decorated, it is not common to use a Christmas tree. Another difference from the Christmas we celebrate in España is that the Greeks believe that elves who live underground come to the surface and make mischief on that date.
You can see that Christmas can be celebrated in countless ways, right? Although the celebrations are traditionally directed towards the figure of Santa Claus and the exchange of gifts, it is possible to bring other meanings to this moment of union, love and gratitude. So live Christmas the way you like the most, without getting caught up in traditions!
